Updated on: November 2, 2017
Originally published on: July 27, 2017
As a former educator I know first hand just how tight a classroom budget can be. I also know that there is never enough time in the school day to get everything done. So when parents donated supplies or offered to volunteer their time, it meant the world to me! If you're wanting to help your child's teacher this year, try one of these three ways to make a difference in your child's school. And be sure to print out the free Box Tops collection sheet!
3 Ways to Help Your Child's School
Volunteer Your Time
One of the biggest ways you can help your child's teacher is by volunteering. Ask your child's teacher what you can do to help. It may be that she needs someone to make copies, or perhaps read a story so she can gather her materials for the next lesson. Perhaps you can help with class parties or chaperone a field trip. Even if you can only offer thirty minutes a month, every little bit helps!
Send Old Books, Games, Toys, etc.
Teachers often have to buy classroom supplies using their own money. I can remember spending hundreds of my own dollars to ensure my students got the education they deserved. Look around your home and collect books, toys, dress up materials, games and other items that can be used in the classroom and donate them to your child's teacher. If she can't use them for her particular class, she will find a teacher that can.
Collect Box Tops for Education
If you have a school-aged child, then I am sure you've heard about Box Tops for Education. These small pieces of packaging can make such a big difference! Simply collect Box Tops for Education tabs found on products most of us already use, then send them to school with your child throughout the year. The schools can then turn the Box Tops in and get money for books, supplies, technology, and more! It's really as simple as shop, clip, send, and earn.
Reynold's Kitchens™ and Hefty proudly support the Box Tops for Education initiative. You can find Box Tops on most Reynolds Kitchens™ products like Oven Bags, Slow Cooker Liners, Parchment Paper, and Bakeware Pans. You can also find Box Tops on Hefty Trash Bags, Hefty Foam Plates and Hefty Cups. All the things I use to make life easier.
I always make sure to pick up extra Hefty Foam Plates as they are sturdy, leak-proof and perfect for lunch and late Summer barbeques! And those Slow Cooker Liners are a life-saver when it comes to cleaning up a slow cooked meal on busy school nights!
Free Printable Box Tops Collection Sheet
To help make collecting those Box Tops a little easier, I've made a fun, free Back to School BTFE Collection Sheet printable! As you collect Box Tops simply attach them to the Box Tops collection sheet using tape or glue. Once the sheet is full, send it with your child to give to the teacher.
Box Tops for Education Sweepstakes
Reynolds Kitchens™ and Hefty are committed to making an even bigger difference by kicking off the school year with a big Reynolds Kitchens + Hefty Box Tops Sweepstakes. Now through August 29 you can enter (HERE) to be one of 50 daily instant winners. Plus, a total of five schools will be chosen for the grand prize – $1,000 worth of Box Tops! entering is easy, just click HERE. So make sure to bookmark the site and visit often!
Looking for a way to store Box Tops as you collect them? Then you'll love this DIY Giant Crayon Box Tops holder!
Very Superb Article.
Thanks a lot for sharing this information..
Love these back to school ideas! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I remember how meaningful it was when my parents volunteered for classroom activities and field trips.
xoxo,
Liv
http://www.livslookbook.com
Thanks! Yes, it means a lot not only to the teacher, but the children as well!
Being from Australia we don't get the box tops but I've seen a bit written about it and sounds like a wonderful promotion! Volunteering time is always a big help!
Really? I didn't even realize it was a US only. I hope they will start doing it elsewhere! And yes, volunteering was one of the things I appreciated most when I was teaching!
As a child I loved collecting box tops! They were on all of my favorite snacks and drinks! I LOVE the idea of making a craft out of it. I'm going to forward this to my aunt to do with my younger cousin! such a great idea!
Thank you Amanda! I was the same way as a child! They really are such an easy way to help schools!
Box tops is really a great program I do not have kids but I have a grandson and his mom does a great job cutting all those box tops to help the school. I will share yoru blog post with her you provide good tips.
Thanks Adriana!
I think the best way to show appreciation would be volunteering! Time is the most precious gift you can give to anyone, excellent advice!
I am not a parent, but in high school and college I used to volunteer at school activities. Teachers always have a ton of things to do, so they really appreciate any help they can get.
These are all great ideas. I do not have kids yet but I will share it with my sister in law.
I remember collecting box tops when I was in elementary school! These all seem like such great tips!
It's such an easy way to help schools out, which is important! (Got to support the schools!) great way to spread the word ?
We've always been very involved in our children's school and individual classes. Very fond memories of class projects. 🙂
This is a great post!!! I know the right people that need to read this. (Dont have kids yet)
I know that my daughter's school gets so many things by collecting those box tops. It's really cool. I just didn't realize how many different products had them. I will have to keep a better eye out for them in the future.
Great article. Thanks for the easiness of organization. I needed this!
You're welcome! I struggle with organization, but find that sometimes, the smallest things help!